Permanent magnet offset systems and methods

ABSTRACT

A magnetic flux offset system selectively modifies the magnetic force at effective poles of a magnetic flux element. Magnetic flux from each effective pole is enhanced and/or effectively nullified using a control coil. The control coil directs magnetic flux from a magnetic flux donor to nullify magnetic flux from a flux donor at one effective pole. Magnetic flux from the control coil could also add to the magnetic flux from a flux donor at another effective pole. Reversing the current to the control coil could switch the effective pole where the magnetic flux is nullified and the effective pole where the magnetic flux is enhanced.

This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/441,618 filed on Feb. 24, 2017. This and all otherreferenced extrinsic materials are incorporated herein by reference intheir entirety. Where a definition or use of a term in a reference thatis incorporated by reference is inconsistent or contrary to thedefinition of that term provided herein, the definition of that termprovided herein is deemed to be controlling.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The field of the invention is permanent magnet offset systems andmethods.

BACKGROUND

The background description includes information that may be useful inunderstanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any ofthe information provided herein is prior art or relevant to thepresently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically orimplicitly referenced is prior art.

Motors with a rotor having permanently magnetized poles and a statorhaving electrically energized field poles suffer numerous disadvantages.The current for such motors is usually supplied from an alternatingcurrent source or from communicators rotating with the rotor. However,the maximum speed of such motors is limited by the frequency of thealternating current or by the ability to rapidly reverse the flow of thecurrent in the field coil.

To address these problems, U.S. Pat. No. 2,968,755 to Baermann disclosesa motor, which includes stator poles with permanent magnet means formagnetizing each stator pole. Baermann's stator poles also have aremotely actuated magnetic means of a greater magnetic strength than thepermanent magnetic means, which could be used to reverse the magneticpolarity of its corresponding stator pole without needing to providereversing alternating current. However, Baermann's stator only makes useof magnetic flux from one pole of each permanent magnet, and reversingthe magnetic polarity of Baerman's stator is energetically demanding.

In U.S. Pat. No. 5,825,113, Lipo et al. discloses permanent magneticmachines that employ a field winding that can be used to weaken or boostan existing magnetic field. Lipo's motors comprise a pair of archedpermanent magnets embedded in a stator yoke, a field winding, andarmature windings. Half of Lipo's stator poles are dedicated magneticnorth poles and half are dedicated magnetic south poles diametricallyopposing the dedicated magnetic north poles. U.S. Pat. No. 2,816,240 toZimmerman also employs similar principles to those disclosed by Lido.However, both Lipo and Zimmerman only use field windings to weaken orboost the variable magnetic fields.

All publications identified herein are incorporated by reference to thesame extent as if each individual publication or patent application werespecifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference isinconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein,the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definitionof that term in the reference does not apply.

Thus, there is still a need for permanent magnet offset systems thatvary the strength and quality of magnetic fields in a moreenergy-efficient manner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The inventive subject matter provides systems and motors in which anullifying magnetic flux donor effectively nullifies the effectivemagnetic flux at effective poles of a magnetic flux element. Themagnetic flux element has at least two effective poles that each has atleast one effective magnetic flux donor, such as a permanent magnet oran electromagnet, magnetically coupled to its respective effective pole.One or more nullifying magnetic flux donors are generally magneticallycoupled to the magnetic flux element between the effective poles, or atleast between the effective magnetic flux donors.

The effective magnetic flux donors exhibit a polarity opposite to thatof the nullifying magnetic flux donor.

A control coil is used to direct magnetic flux from the nullifyingmagnetic flux donor towards any of the effective poles of the magneticflux element. The control coil also provides magnetic flux thataggregates with magnetic flux from the nullifying magnetic flux donor tosubstantially nullify magnetic flux from the second magnetic flux donorat the second effective pole. The control coil could be wrapped aroundthe magnetic flux element at each pole in a plurality of places to helpdirect, and aggregate, magnetic flux from the nullifying magnetic fluxdonor. For example, the control coil could be placed between thenullifying magnetic flux donor and a first effective magnetic fluxdonor, and between the same nullifying magnetic flux donor and a secondeffective magnetic flux donor.

When current flows through the control coil in one direction, it has afirst active magnetic state. The magnetic flux from the control coilaggregates with, and directs, magnetic flux from the nullifying magneticflux donor to substantially nullify magnetic flux from a first effectivemagnetic flux donor at the first effective pole. In this first activemagnetic state, the second effective pole will exhibit the polarity ofthe second effective magnetic flux donor.

When the direction of the current is reversed, the control coil has asecond active magnetic state. In the second active magnetic state, themagnetic flux from the control coil aggregates with, and directs,magnetic flux from the nullifying magnetic flux donor to substantiallynullify magnetic flux from a second effective magnetic flux donor at thesecond effective pole. In this second active magnetic state, the firsteffective pole will exhibit the polarity of the first effective magneticflux donor.

Advantageously, a switch can be used to select which effective magneticflux donor to nullify in an energy-efficient manner by directingmagnetic flux from the nullifying magnetic flux donor.

In other aspects of the inventive subject matter, a magnetic flux yokecan complete a magnetic circuit between the nullifying and effectivemagnetic flux donors. The yoke provides a magnetic path for magneticflux from the opposing poles of the magnetic flux donors to flow andreinforce one another. The magnetic path of the yoke also minimizesinterference from the opposing magnetic flux of each magnetic fluxdonor.

In some embodiments, additional magnetic flux donors are magneticallycoupled to the magnetic flux element proximate to the effective polesvia their respective poles that exhibit the first polarity. When thecontrol coils are in the first active magnetic state, magnetic flux fromthe control coils further aggregates with, and directs, magnetic fluxfrom the nullifying magnetic flux donor to substantially nullifymagnetic flux from all of the effective magnetic flux donors at thesecond effective pole. When the control coil is in the first activemagnetic state, magnetic flux from the control coils further aggregateswith, and directs, magnetic flux from the nullifying magnetic flux donorto substantially nullify magnetic flux from all of the effectivemagnetic flux donors at the second effective pole.

In other embodiments, the magnetic flux element includes a gap that atleast partially extends into the control coil towards each of theeffective poles. Another magnetic flux donor may be positioned in thegap such that it donates magnetic flux of the second polarity to theeffective magnetic flux element on one side of the gap and donatesmagnetic flux of the first polarity to the effective magnetic fluxelement on the other side of the gap.

The inventor further contemplates that the inventive magnetic offsetsystems can be used as stators in motors having rotors having ferrouselements (e.g., permanent magnets) that pass through effective magneticfields of one effective pole when the control coil is in the firstactive magnetic state and another effective pole when the control coilis in the second active magnetic state. The first ferrous elements aredistributed around the rotor perimeter. In some embodiments, the rotorincludes an odd number of ferrous element pairs.

In yet further embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the motor ofclaim may employ a second a second magnetic flux offset system as asecond stator.

Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventivesubject matter will become more apparent from the following detaileddescription of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanyingdrawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1A is a side view of one embodiment of a motor.

FIG. 1B is a plan view of one embodiment of a motor.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a second embodiment of a motor.

FIG. 3 is a side view of a third embodiment of a motor.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a fourth embodiment of a motor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1A shows a motor comprising magnetic flux offset system 100 androtor 160. Magnetic flux offset system 100 includes magnetic fluxelement 101 is magnetically coupled to permanent magnets, 130, 131, and132. Although permanent magnets, 130, 131, and 132 are shown, use oftemporary magnets (e.g., electromagnets) is also contemplated. Thepolarity of control coil 180 is reversible. As used herein, the term“control coil” means a single wire, multiple separate wires with thesame input source, or multiple separate wires whose separate inputsources are synchronized with one another to provide current in the samedirection. In other words, the control coil can employ any suitableelectrical configuration to provide and direct magnetic flux that can bereversed.

The term “active magnetic state” is defined herein as a state in whichcurrent flows in one direction along the control coil to providemagnetic flux to the magnetic flux element and to direct the flow ofexisting magnetic flux within the magnetic flux element. The polarity ofthe control coil in a first active magnetic state changes when thedirection of the current is reversed, changing the control coil to asecond active magnetic state. This contrasts with a passive magneticstate, when no current is applied to the control coil.

In the active magnetic state shown in FIG. 1A, the portion of controlcoil 180 that is nearest to effective pole 111 generates magnetic northflux directed towards the top of magnetic flux element 101, whichcompletes a magnetic flux circuit with magnetic south flux frompermanent magnet 130. That portion of control coil 180 also generatesmagnetic south flux directed towards the bottom of magnetic flux element101, which aggregates with south magnetic flux from permanent magnet 130and completes a magnetic circuit with the north magnetic flux frompermanent magnet 131. Preferably, the aggregate south magnetic flux fromcontrol coil 180 and permanent magnet 130 is substantially equal to thenorth magnetic flux provided by permanent magnet 131 to minimize eithermagnetic north flux or magnetic south flux from having any effect onrotor 160. Thus, in this first active magnetic state, the magnetic fluxat effective pole 111 directed towards rotor 160 is substantiallynullified.

In the same first active magnetic state, the portion of control coil 180nearest to effective pole 112 adds north magnetic flux to the northmagnetic flux from permanent magnet 132, ensuring that an effectivenorth magnetic flux field flows from effective pole 112 towards rotor160. As used herein the term “effective magnetic field” refers to themagnetic field at the effective pole that emits magnetic flux in thefirst or second active magnetic state, and which provides motive forceto push or pull the rotor ferrous element(s). South magnetic flux fromthat portion of control coil 180 is directed towards the top of magneticflux element 101 to aggregate with the south magnetic flux frompermanent magnet 130 and completes a magnetic circuit with the northmagnetic flux from the control coil near effective pole 111.

In the second active magnetic state, the portion of control coil 180that is nearest to effective pole 111 generates magnetic south fluxdirected towards the top of magnetic flux element 101, which aggregateswith south magnetic flux from permanent magnet 130 and completes amagnetic circuit with the north magnetic flux from permanent magnet 132.That portion of control coil 180 also generates magnetic north fluxdirected towards the bottom of magnetic flux element 101, whichaggregates with magnetic north flux from permanent magnet 131.Preferably, the aggregate south magnetic flux from control coil 180 andpermanent magnet 130 is substantially equal to the north magnetic fluxprovided by permanent magnet 132. Thus, in the second active magneticstate, the magnetic flux at effective pole 112 directed towards rotor160 is substantially nullified.

In the second active magnetic state, the portion of control coil 180nearest to effective pole 112 directs south magnetic flux towardeffective pole 112 to complete a magnetic circuit with the northmagnetic flux from permanent magnet 132. North magnetic flux from thatportion of control coil 180 is directed towards the top of magnetic fluxelement 101 to complete a magnetic circuit with the south magnetic fluxfrom permanent magnet 130 and south magnetic flux from the control coilnear effective pole 111, ensuring that an effective north magnetic fluxfield flows from effective pole 111 towards rotor 160.

Therefore, it should be appreciated that a switch and control coil canbe used to select which magnetic flux donor (at opposing stator poles)to nullify in an energy-efficient manner by directing nullifyingmagnetic flux from a magnetic flux donor.

Rotor 160 has shaft 150 and ferrous elements 161 and 162. In FIG. 1A,north magnetic flux from effective pole 112 applies an attractive forcetowards the south pole of ferrous element 162, providing motive force.Preferably, when ferrous element 162 passes effective pole 112, a switchflips control coil 180 to nullify the attractive force from effectivepole 112 so that ferrous element 162 passes without any stopping forcebeing applied to rotor 160. As rotor 160 rotates, ferrous elements 161and 162 “rotatively pass” through effective magnetic fields of theeffective poles. Preferably, both ferrous elements 161 and 162 arepermanent magnets having a south pole that faces the effective poles,but ferrous elements 161 and 162 could be any ferrous element that isattracted to an active effective pole, such as non-permanent magnets orelectromagnets.

Although the motor shown in FIGS. 1-4 show one pair of effective polesand one pair of rotor poles, stators having more than one pair ofeffective poles are contemplated. Rotors can have an either an oddnumber or an even number of ferrous element pairs. Preferred embodimentsof the inventive motors have stators with any even number of effectivepoles, for example four or six pairs of effective poles. Thecorresponding rotors preferably have an odd number of ferrous elementsthat are not diametrically opposite to a center of the rotor, whichensures that only one ferrous element is acted upon by an activeeffective pole as illustrated in FIG. 1B. As rotor 160 rotatesclockwise, ferrous element 162 rotates away from effective pole 112 ofmagnetic flux element 100. As effective pole 111 switches from asubstantially nullified state to a magnetic state, effective pole 111attracts ferrous element 161, and ferrous element 161 rotates towardeffective pole 111. Ferrous elements 161, 162, and the five unlabeledferrous elements can either be magnetic or nonmagnetic.

When magnets are employed as ferrous elements, the magnetic effectivepole can either attract or repel the ferrous elements. When nonmagneticferrous elements are employed, the magnetic, effective pole can attracteach ferrous element as it enters the magnetic field of the magneticeffective pole. In another exemplary embodiment, a rotor having three“pairs” of ferrous elements can be employed with a stator having foureffective poles. In some embodiments, stators have an even number ofeffective poles, and rotors have an odd number of ferrous elements. Inother embodiments, stators have an odd number of effective poles, androtors have an even number of ferrous elements. In other words, anynumber of effective poles and ferrous elements could be suitablyutilized.

FIG. 2 illustrates another embodiment of a motor comprising a magneticflux offset system 200 and rotor 260. Magnetic flux element 201 ismagnetically coupled to magnetic south flux donor 230, magnetic northflux donors 231 and 232, and permanent magnets 241 and 242. Flux yoke235 completes the magnetic circuit between south flux donor 230 andnorth flux donors 231 and 232, which advantageously enhances themagnetic flux at each point of contact between magnetic flux element 200and flux donors 230, 231, and 232. Flux yoke 235 also prevents magneticflux from magnetic south flux donor 230 and magnetic north flux donors231 and 232 from interfering spatially with the flux fields in magneticflux element 201 by providing a low reluctance path for the magneticflux from flux donors 230, 231, and 232 to complete a magnetic circuit.

Additional north magnetic flux is donated to magnetic flux element 201at effective poles 211 and 212 by magnetic flux donors 241 and 242,respectively. Like magnetic offset system 100, the direction of thecurrent flowing through control coil 280 controls which one of effectivepoles 211 and 212 exhibits a magnetic north polarity.

In the active magnetic state shown in FIG. 2, the north magnetic flux ateffective poles 211 is substantially nullified, and effective pole 212exhibits magnetic north polarity. The magnetic north flux from effectivepole 212 interacts with magnetic south flux from ferrous element 262 ofrotor 260, which could be a permanent magnet as shown, or any othersuitable ferrous element. Rotor 260 further comprises ferrous element261 and shaft 250.

In FIG. 3, a magnetic flux offset system 300 acts as a stator to rotor160. Rotor 360 has shaft 350 and ferrous elements 361 and 362. Magneticoffset system 300 includes magnetic flux element 301, which has gap 310that extends at least partially into control coil 380 at two places:effective pole 311 and effective pole 312. Permanent magnet 320 isdisposed in gap 310 and donates magnetic north flux to the upper portionof magnetic flux element 301, and donates magnetic south flux to thelower portion of magnetic flux element 301. Permanent magnet 330 alsodonates magnetic south flux to the lower portion of magnetic fluxelement 301. Magnetic north flux is donated to effective pole 311 frommagnetic north flux donors 331 and 341. Magnetic south flux is donatedto effective pole 312 from magnetic north flux donors 332 and 342.

In a first active magnetic state, magnetic north flux travels fromcontrol coil 380, along magnetic flux element 301, toward effective pole312. Thus, control coil 380 adds magnetic north flux to the magneticnorth flux from permanent magnet 320. The combined flux completes acircuit with magnetic south flux from the portion of control coil neareffective pole 312 and adds to the magnetic north flux from permanentmagnets 332 and 342, augmenting the magnetic north flux from effectivepole 312.

In the first active magnetic state, magnetic south flux travels fromcontrol coil 380, along magnetic flux element 301 toward effective pole311. Magnetic south flux from the portion of control coil 380 nearer toeffective pole 312 and magnetic south flux donors 320 and 330 complete amagnetic circuit with magnetic north flux from the portion of controlcoil 380 nearer to effective pole 311 and magnetic south flux donors 331and 341. Thus, the magnetic north flux at effective pole 311 issubstantially nullified. Like the embodiments in FIGS. 1 and 2, theopposite will occur in the second, opposing active magnetic state ofcontrol coil 380.

FIG. 4 shows another engine having two magnetic flux offset systems 400and 400′. Magnetic flux element 401 of magnetic flux offset system 400has gap 410, which extends at least partially into control coil 480.Permanent magnet 420 donates magnetic south flux to the outer portion ofmagnetic flux element 301 and magnetic north flux to the inner portionof magnetic flux element 401. Stator 400 is magnetically coupled tostator 400′ via magnetic south flux donors 441S and 442S, yokes 441 and442, and magnetic north flux donors 441N and 442N.

Similarly, magnetic flux element 401′ of stator 400′ has gap 410′, whichextends at least partially into control coil 480′. Permanent magnet 420′donates magnetic south flux to the inner portion of magnetic fluxelement 401′ and magnetic north flux to the outer portion of magneticflux element 401′.

When control coil 480 is in a first active magnetic state, the magneticflux at poles 411 and 411′ are substantially nullified. Effective pole412 exhibits magnetic south polarity, and effective pole 412′ exhibitsmagnetic north polarity. Thus, effective pole 412 interacts withmagnetic north flux from ferrous element 462 of stator 460. Effectivepole 412′ interacts with magnetic south flux from ferrous element 462.These combined interactions give rise to rotation of shaft 460 aboutshaft 450 and the motive force of the motor. In the contemplatedembodiment, effective poles 412 and 412′ attract and pull on ferrouselement 462, but the permanent magnet in ferrous element 462 could bereversed to allow effective poles 412 and 412′ to push upon ferrouselement 462.

In other embodiments, motors could comprise one or more stators, whicheach comprise magnetic flux element(s) having 4, 6, 8, 10, or moreeffective poles. During operation of such motors, the nullifyingmagnetic flux donor effectively nullifies the effective magnetic fluxfrom magnetic flux donors at successive effective poles in a clockwiseor counterclockwise direction. The control coil is used to directmagnetic flux from the nullifying magnetic flux donor towards eacheffective pole that is effectively, magnetically nullified. The controlcoil also provides magnetic flux that aggregates with magnetic flux fromthe magnetic flux donor at each effective pole that is opposite to amagnetically nullified effective pole, enhancing the magnetic flux atthose poles. It should be appreciated that one or more pairs ofmagnetically nullified/enhanced effective poles can be active dependingon the number of rotor poles.

The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”)provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merelyto better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on thescope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in thespecification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed elementessential to the practice of the invention. As used herein, and unlessthe context dictates otherwise, the term “coupled to” is intended toinclude both direct coupling (in which two elements that are coupled toeach other contact each other) and indirect coupling (in which at leastone additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore,the terms “coupled to” and “coupled with” are used synonymously.

As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow,the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless thecontext clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the descriptionherein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the contextclearly dictates otherwise.

Unless the context dictates the contrary, all ranges set forth hereinshould be interpreted as being inclusive of their endpoints andopen-ended ranges should be interpreted to include only commerciallypractical values. Similarly, all lists of values should be considered asinclusive of intermediate values unless the context indicates thecontrary. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value isincorporated into the specification as if it were individually recitedherein.

Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the inventiondisclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each groupmember can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combinationwith other members of the group or other elements found herein. One ormore members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group forreasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion ordeletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the groupas modified thus fulfilling the written description of all the appendedclaims.

The discussion provides many example embodiments of the inventivesubject matter. Although each embodiment represents a single combinationof inventive elements, the inventive subject matter is considered toinclude all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus if oneembodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and a second embodimentcomprises elements B and D, then the inventive subject matter is alsoconsidered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D,even if not explicitly disclosed.

It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many moremodifications besides those already described are possible withoutdeparting from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subjectmatter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of theappended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification andthe claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possiblemanner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises”and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements,components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that thereferenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized,or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are notexpressly referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at leastone of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C . . . andN, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from thegroup, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.

What is claimed is:
 1. A magnetic flux offset system comprising: amagnetic flux element having a first effective pole and a secondeffective pole, wherein the magnetic flux element comprises at least onemagnetic path from the first effective pole to the second effective polethrough the magnetic flux element; a first, second, and third magneticflux donor, wherein the first and second magnetic flux donors aremagnetically coupled to the magnetic flux element proximate to the firstand second effective poles, respectively, wherein the third magneticflux donor includes a first permanent magnet within the magnetic fluxelement and a second permanent magnet contiguously coupled to themagnetic flux element between the first and second magnetic flux donors,wherein the first and second magnetic flux donors exhibit a firstpolarity to the magnetic flux element, and wherein the third magneticflux donor exhibits a second polarity, opposite the first polarity, tothe magnetic flux element; and a control coil wrapped around themagnetic flux element, wherein the control coil has a first activemagnetic state that aggregates with, and directs, magnetic flux from thethird magnetic flux donor to substantially nullify magnetic flux fromthe second magnetic flux donor at the second effective pole, and whereinthe control coil has a second active magnetic state that aggregateswith, and directs, magnetic flux from the third magnetic flux donor tosubstantially nullify magnetic flux from the first magnetic flux donorat the first effective pole.
 2. The magnetic flux offset system of claim1, wherein the first effective pole exhibits the first polarity when thecontrol coil is in the first active magnetic state, and wherein thesecond effective pole exhibits the first polarity when the control coilis in the second active magnetic state.
 3. The magnetic flux offsetsystem of claim 1 further comprising a magnetic flux yoke that completesa magnetic circuit between the first, second, and third magnetic fluxdonors.
 4. The magnetic flux offset system of claim 3 further comprisingfourth and fifth magnetic flux donors magnetically coupled to themagnetic flux element proximate to the first and second effective poles,respectively, and wherein the fourth and fifth magnetic flux donorsexhibit the first polarity.
 5. The magnetic flux offset system of claim4, wherein the first active magnetic state further aggregates with, anddirects, magnetic flux from the third magnetic flux donor tosubstantially nullify magnetic flux from the fifth magnetic flux donorat the second effective pole, and wherein the second active magneticstate further aggregates with, and directs, magnetic flux from the thirdmagnetic flux donor to substantially nullify magnetic flux from thefourth magnetic flux donor at the first effective pole.
 6. The magneticflux offset system of claim 1, wherein the first, second, and thirdmagnetic flux donors are permanent magnets.
 7. The magnetic flux offsetsystem of claim 6, further comprising: a fourth magnetic flux donor,disposed in the gap, that exhibits the first polarity, a fifth magneticflux donor, disposed in the gap, that exhibits the second polarity,wherein the fifth magnetic flux donor is magnetically coupled to, anddonates magnetic flux of the second polarity to, a first portion of themagnetic flux element on a first side of the gap, and wherein the fourthmagnetic flux donor is magnetically coupled to, and donates magneticflux of the first polarity to, a second portion of the magnetic fluxelement on a second side of the gap opposite to the first side of thegap.
 8. The magnetic flux element of claim 7, wherein the third andfifth magnetic flux donors are magnetically coupled to opposing sides ofthe first portion of the magnetic flux element.
 9. The magnetic fluxoffset system of claim 7 further comprising sixth and seventh magneticflux donors magnetically coupled to the magnetic flux element proximateto the first and second effective poles, respectively, and wherein thesixth and seventh magnetic flux donors exhibit the first polarity. 10.The magnetic flux offset system of claim 1, wherein the magnetic fluxelement further comprises a gap that at least partially extends into thecontrol coil toward the first effective pole and extends at leastpartially into the control coil toward the second effective pole. 11.The magnetic flux offset system of claim 1, wherein the control coil iswrapped around the flux element between the first and third magneticflux elements and between the second and third magnetic flux elements.12. A motor comprising: a magnetic flux element having a first effectivepole and a second effective pole, wherein the magnetic flux elementcomprises at least one magnetic path from the first effective pole tothe second effective pole through the magnetic flux element; a first,second, and third magnetic flux donor, wherein the first and secondmagnetic flux donors are magnetically coupled to the magnetic fluxelement proximate to the first and second effective poles, respectively,wherein the third magnetic flux donor includes a first permanent magnetwithin the magnetic flux element and a second permanent magnetcontiguously coupled to the magnetic flux element between the first andsecond magnetic flux donors, wherein the first and second magnetic fluxdonors exhibit a first polarity to the magnetic flux element, andwherein the third magnetic flux donor exhibits a second polarity,opposite the first polarity, to the magnetic flux element, and a controlcoil wrapped around the magnetic flux element, wherein the control coilhas a first active magnetic state that aggregates with, and directs,magnetic flux from the third magnetic flux donor to substantiallynullify magnetic flux from the second magnetic flux donor at the secondeffective pole, and wherein the control coil has a second activemagnetic state that aggregates with, and directs magnetic flux from thethird magnetic flux donor to substantially nullify magnetic flux fromthe first magnetic flux donor at the first effective pole, wherein thesecond effective pole exhibits the first polarity when the control coilis in the second active magnetic state, and a rotor having a firstferrous element and a second ferrous element that both rotatively passthrough effective magnetic fields of the first effective pole when thecontrol coil is in the first active magnetic state and the secondeffective pole when the control coil is in the second active magneticstate.
 13. The motor of claim 12, wherein the first ferrous element hasa permanent magnet.
 14. The motor of claim 12, wherein the first ferrouselement is located at a first ferrous portion of a rotor perimeter andthe second ferrous element is located at second ferrous portion of therotor perimeter.
 15. The motor of claim 14, wherein the rotor comprisesan odd number of ferrous portions.